We heard something like this from the Beatles. “I get by with a little help from my friends.” And, a few years later, we heard Bill Withers singing this wonderful invitation: “Lean on me, when you’re not strong, and I’ll be your friend. I’ll help you carry on.” Both now-old songs acknowledge the need that each of experiences to have a hand to hold, especially when times are challenging or painful. That’s what Stephen Ministry does.

Stephen Ministry is a worldwide ministry of caring by laypersons. As you can appreciate, a pastoral staff can only do so much, and it is a genuine blessing to have dedicated and trained laypersons who express a willingness to help shoulder some of the profoundly important caring ministry at the heart of every congregation of Jesus’ people. What if we at Embry Hills had such a group of laypersons? As many of you know, we do!

Led by Dottie Coltrane and Carol Nigro, our Stephen Ministry team is comprised of remarkable people, each ready to lend that helping hand, to be leaned upon in times of need, to offer love and support, to be the best of what a Christian friend can be.

While many of you are aware of Stephen Ministry at Embry Hills, there does seem to be a perception that Stephen Ministry is only indicated in situations characterized by issues related to death or dying. Of course, Stephen Ministers are ready and able to walk with persons facing their own deaths or with family members facing the death of a loved one. But, there are countless other ways in which people struggle! Divorce, separation, job loss, financial stress, addiction, the illness of a loved one, your own experience with illness—the list of possible ways in which people struggle can be as long as the list of people who struggle! So, if you’re struggling, with anything, and could use a pair of loving ears and a warm and open heart and a couple of hands to hold, then perhaps a Stephen Minister is for you!

If you think that might be the case, please let Dottie, Carol, Elaine, or me hear from you. We’ll gladly answer any questions. By the way, DO NOT fail to ask for a Stephen Minister just because you’re not dying or because you’re afraid that someone else who needs one more desperately might not have what they need if you request one! If you’re struggling, Stephen Ministry can help, and they stand ready to do so.

Stephen Ministry is one very important component of a congregation that is adept at care and love. Thanks to all of you for the ministry of care you carry out through Embry Hills United Methodist Church.

Love,
Mark

Mark Sargent is senior pastor of Embry Hills United Methodist Church, an inclusive community of faith.